Coastal California Getaway
A Highway 1 road trip is the perfect west coast drive.
Driving along the California coast is a wish list dream for many visitors to the west coast and a favorite pastime for many residents—the uninterrupted drive, the small towns dotting the coastline, and the ocean as a companion through it all. The 100-mile stretch of Highway 1 through San Luis Obispo County connecting 10 communities along the way provides plenty of points of interest, uncrowded beaches, outdoor stops, and as much or little to do as youʼd like. Whether you approach the drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles, the areas of Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos/Baywood, Avila Beach, Edna Valley wine region, Arroyo Grande Valley, Oceano and Nipomo all make for a pleasant pause through the journey.
For your stay, take your pick from these two options within walking distance of the beach. The Pacific Motel is a boutique venue in Cayucos featuring modern and relaxed interiors, clean lines and spaces, limited rooms and minimalistic layout, with a few community spots like the fire pit or table tennis area. A cozy community feeling overall. Casa San Miguelito is a historic cottage property in Avila Beach with elegantly furnished and comfortable interiors, a home away from home for a family or group of friends traveling together. A lovely retreat to end each day of sightseeing with or simply to relax and unwind.
Cayucos being the charming seaside town that it is, and one of the best in California for surfing, swimming, tide pooling, and soaking up the sun, a walk along the main street is a must as is heading out by the pier. Among the most famed attractions here is the Hearst Castle, which was once the home of businessman William Randolph Hearst, where many celebrities stayed. Today, the 90,000 square feet venue is open for touring by the public. Among its many accolades—This is the only California State Park that is also an art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. A must-see if you decide to drive over and have some hours set aside for the tours. Avila Beach, on the other hand, is better known for kayaking and paddleboarding, and natural mineral hot springs, as well as its walkable downtown stretch.
Enjoy the natural beauty around you with some kelp foraging, elephant seal viewing, and luffa farming added to the mix. Local company Kelpful offers seaweed foraging tours in Cayucos, where more than 20,000 species of seaweed grow. Not only can you find and feel the seaweed along the way but also taste some on the spot, and you might just be surprised with the flavor profiles. A drive to San Simeon and the Piedras Blancas Rookery will take you to the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is so easily accessible to the public, and free and open every day of the year. And the luffa farm in Nipomo only adds to the surprises the area can throw at you. Sold and grown at the ranch here is the luffa or loofah that is known to be great for exfoliating skin, among other uses. And the best part? Luffa products here are neither vacuum packed nor chemically treated like much commercially produced luffa is.
You will be traversing Edna Valleyʼs wine region when in the area so why not add a twist to it and enjoy a sidecar motorcycle wine tour. Simply meet at the agreed upon location for your pick-up and drop-off, and then enjoy the ride and the sips along the way. No worries about driving or planning as everything is done for you. Just enjoy the wineries, tastings, views, and company. For an indoor wine tasting experience, Alapay Cellars in Avila Beach has some lovely reds, whites, dessert wines and more made from grapes harvested from premium vineyards on the central coast.
Of course, aside from the wines, the bounty of the area is found in its many restaurants. And one does have to eat while on a road trip. Here are a few choices when it comes to local culinary gems with varied ambiance and menus. Lunada Garden Bistro is inside the historic Way Station in Cayucos while Robinʼs is housed in a restored adobe home in the historic East Village of Cambria. Hidden Kitchen is a 100% gluten free cafe featuring all-organic and locally sourced fare while Luna Coffee Bar presents a beautiful garden to enjoy coffees and more. Schooners has a nautical theme and pet-friendly outdoor seating, Merseaʼs on Harford Pier is known for its seafood, views, and being a favorite among residents, and Fat Cat Café is a laid-back, diner-style spot. Blue Moon Over Avila gives you seaside dining at its finest. And Ocean Grill brings you coastal California cuisine using ingredients from local farms and fisheries. There is no way this road trip will leave you hungry.
